Shared mobile payments

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for facilitating shared mobile payments. According to an embodiment, a user can initiate a purchase using a mobile device. The mobile device can display a total price for the purchase. The first user can cooperate with one or more second users to share the cost of the purchase. The cooperation can be facilitated via the first and second users&#39; mobile devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/720,584, filed Dec. 19, 2012 which claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/577,471, filed on Dec. 19, 2011,both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic commerce and,more particularly, relates to methods and systems for sharing mobilepayments among users.

2. Related Art

The use of mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, to makepurchases is well known. Such mobile devices can be used to makepurchases from brick and mortar stores and from online stores. Forexample, such mobile devices can be used to pay for purchases via acredit card, debit card, gift card, or payment provider. Generally, asingle person will pay for a purchase. However, there are instanceswhere it is desirable to share the payment for a purchase among aplurality of people.

According to contemporary practice, if a plurality of people want toshare the payment for a purchase, then one person often makes the entirepayment and subsequently attempts to collect contributions from theother people. In some instances, the person who makes the entire paymentmay not be able to collect the contributions from some or all of theother people. Thus, the person making the entire payment may have toassume an undesirable risk in order to purchase the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for facilitating shared mobilepayments, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method for facilitating shared mobilepayments, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing further detail of the method forfacilitating shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a computer that is suitablefor use in the system for facilitating shared mobile payments, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of use of the system forfacilitating shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of use of the systemfor facilitating shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods and systems are provided for facilitating shared mobilepayments. According to an embodiment, a purchaser or first user caninitiate a purchase using a mobile device. The mobile device can displaya total price for the purchase. The first user can cooperate with one ormore second users to share the cost of the purchase. The cooperation canbe facilitated via the first user's mobile device and second users'mobile devices.

More particularly, the first user's mobile device can be near fieldcommunication (NFC) enabled and the first user can initiate the purchaseusing NFC. The purchase can be from an online merchant or can be from abrick and mortar store merchant. For a brick and mortar store purchase,the user can be at the brick and mortar store or can be away from thebrick and mortar store.

To initiate an online purchase, the first user can select the product tobe purchased from a merchant's website. To initiate a brick and mortarstore purchase, the first user can tap, scan, capture, or otherwiseselect an NFC sticker, a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, a stockkeeping unit (SKU), or any other code, image, or the like that can beused to identify the product for a purchase. Although reference will bemade herein to tapping an NFC sticker, such reference is by way ofexample only. The designation of the product to be purchase can beperformed in any desired manner. Tapping the NFC sticker can cause anapp to provide the second users with a link. The link can contain thetransaction or reference ID for the purchase.

After the first user initiates the purchase, the first user may see acheckout or payment page. For example, the first user may see a paymentpage of a payment provider such as PayPal, Inc. A total payment amountfor the purchase can be displayed on the payment page. The total amountcan include any taxes, shipping costs, or other costs.

From the payment page the first user can attempt to share the cost ofthe purchase with one or more second users. Each second user can have anNFC enabled second user's mobile device. Thus, the first user cancommunicate with the second users via NFC. That is, to facilitatesharing of the cost of the purchase, the first user can use the firstuser's mobile device to communicate by NFC with one or more second usersvia the second users' mobile devices. The first user can communicatewith the second users in any desired manner. For example, the first usercan communicate with the second user by voice (in person or via thefirst user's mobile device and the second users' mobile devices), viatext messaging, via email, or via any other method. In this manner, thefirst user can communicate an inquiry to the second users to determineif any of the second users want to share the cost of the purchase.

In response to the communication, one or more of the second users canenter an amount of their desired contribution to the cost of thepurchase on their respective second users' devices to communicate thedesired amount to the first user and/or make a payment in that amount.Alternatively, one or more of the second users can accept a default orsuggested amount to contribute. The payment can be made to the firstuser, another second user, an intermediary, or the merchant. Theintermediary can be a credit card company, a payment provider such asPayPal, Inc., or any other payment facilitator. There can be a pluralityof intermediaries.

Any number of second users can contribute to the payment. For example,one, two, three, four, five, or more second users can contribute to thepayment. The contribution can be substantially directly from the seconduser to the first user, the merchant, and/or the intermediary. Thepayment can be from one second user to another second user. The paymentcan be through any number or combination of the first user, the secondusers, the merchant, and the intermediary.

The first user can communicate with any number of second users todetermine which second users will contribute to the cost of thepurchase. Each second user can communicate with any number of othersecond users to determine which second users will contribute to the costof the purchase. Thus, the requests for second users to contribute andthe contributions of the second users can be along a number of differentpaths.

The contributions of the second users can go through the first user tomake the payment (the second users can pay the first user who can thenmake the payment). The contributions of the second users can flow to themerchant, the intermediary, or another second user (from which thepayment can ultimately flow to the merchant). The contributions of thesecond users can follow any desired route to the merchant.

The contribution of the first user can similarly flow to the merchant,the intermediary, or another second user (from which the payment canultimately flow to the merchant). The contribution of the first user canfollow any desired route to the merchant.

The first user and/or the second users can communicate among themselvesregarding the purchase. For example, the first user and/or the secondusers can communicate among themselves using any combination of voice,email, text messaging, social networking, websites or blogs. In thismanner, the first user and/or the second users can discuss any detailregarding the purchase, such as who will pick up the product or wherethe product is to be shipped. In this manner, the first user and/or thesecond users can agree upon a plan for sharing the payment, e.g., candetermine the amount of each person's contribution. The contributionscan be substantially equal. The contributions can be different orunequal. Generally, any one of the first user and the second users cancontribute any amount between zero and the total purchase price.

Alternatively, only predefined types of amounts can be allowed. Forexample, equal contributions can be required. As a further example, evendollar amounts (amounts with no cents) can be generally required of thesecond users with any remaining unequal amount (such as an amount withcents) to be contributed by the first user (or a designated seconduser).

According to an embodiment, a shared payment app can facilitate theselection of the product to be purchased and can facilitatecommunication among the first user and/or the second users. For example,the shared payment app can facilitate the selection of the product fromthe merchant's website by clicking on the product and/or can facilitatethe selection of the product from a brick and mortar store by tapping anNFC sticker.

As a result of the communication and contribution processes, a grouppayment can be made. The first user can initiate the purchase andpayment processes and the second users, along with the first user, canshare in the payment. The use of NFC, tapping, or the like can provide afun and easy way for users to share the payment, thus promoting user ofthe system. The purchased product can be picked up in the brick andmortar store by the first user or any of the second users. The purchasedproduct can be shipped to the first user or any of the second users.

Predefined groups of contributors can be defined, such as during a setupprocess. The use of such predefined groups can be beneficial when themembers are substantially the same for a plurality of shared purchases.Such predefined groups can be modified (members can be added or deleted)substantially in real time.

A plurality of predefined groups can be defined, such as during thesetup process. Any number of such groups can be predefined. Examples ofsuch predefined groups can include family, friends, church members, clubmembers, co-workers, employees, and business partners. The members ofthe groups can be any people, businesses, or other entities. Thus,different groups having different members can be defined for differenttypes of purchases. Any desired number of groups can be defined. Anydesired criteria can be used to define a group. The group can be basedupon no criteria other than the first user's desire to include people inthe group. The first user can be considered to be a member of the group.

For example, the cost of a meal eaten by co-workers who frequently eattogether can be shared among the co-workers. That is, the first user candefine a group that contains those co-workers with whom the first userfrequently eats lunch. The group can be modified as necessary to accountfor any added or missing co-workers for a particular lunch. The modifiedgroup can define the second users.

As a further example, purchases that would benefit a business can beshared among the business owners or partners. For example, the purchaseof a new copy machine can be shared among the owners of a small businessusing the shared mobile payments method discussed herein.

The group can be an ad hoc group. Thus, the group can be definedsubstantially in real time. The same group that was initially an ad hocgroup can be used repeatedly, with or without modification (the additionor subtraction of members). The group can be used one time or can beused a plurality of times. For example, several co-workers who decidefor the first time to have lunch together can define an ad hoc group.The same group of co-workers can eat together at a later time and thefirst user can re-use the ad hoc group to define the second users. Thus,an ad hoc group can become a predefined group,

For example, the cost of a meal eaten by co-workers who rarely eattogether or who are eating together for the first time can be sharedamong the co-workers. The group can be defined just for the one meal,e.g., can be an ad hoc group. The group can be used only for the onemeal or can be used again in the future, such as for another meal.Modifications to the group can be made substantially in real time, suchas when the same group with one other member has a meal together in thefuture. Thus, ad hoc groups, like predefined groups, can be modified toaccommodate missing or new members.

According to an embodiment, the calculation of the first user's shareand/or at least one second user's share can be performed iteratively.The calculation can be performed iteratively to accommodate real timechanges to the contributions or expected contributions. For example, ifthe total purchase price is $100 and there are five potentialcontributors (the first user and four potential second users), then theexpected contributions can be $20 each. However, if one of the potentialsecond users declines to contribute, then the shared payment app canrecalculate the needed contributions to be $25 each. If one of theremaining four users then decides to pay $40 (instead of $25), then theother three user's contributions can be recalculated as $20 each. Thus,adjustments can be made substantially in real time to accommodatevariances in the contributions. The calculation of contributions caniterate, as necessary.

The communication, such between the first user's mobile device and/orthe second users' mobile devices, can exchange or provide necessaryinformation for processing the payment through the payment provider orthe like. For example, when the first user taps the NFC sticker, theshared payment app can open automatically and the shared payment app cancommence communication with the payment provider. The tapped NFC stickercan include information such as an item description and price, as wellas any taxes and shipping charges. The tapped NFC sticker can direct theuser to a source of such information, such as a website of the merchant.The tapped NFC sticker can direct the user to a location (such as a linkor memory location) on the first user's mobile device or to a websitethat enables the first user to make the desired purchase.

During the payment process, the first user can be requested to enterlogin credentials, such as a user name, an email address, a phonenumber, a password, and/or a personal identification number (PIN). Thefirst user can be shown a total amount for the purchase, such as on themobile device display. Before confirming the payment, the first user canbe asked if the first user would like to share the payment with anysecond users, such as via a button or link of the shared payment app.According to an embodiment, no such request is made. According to yetanother embodiment, the sharing of the payment can occur after the firstuser has made the payment.

According to an embodiment, a default sharing process can beautomatically initiated. The default sharing process can use a predefinegroup of second users. The default sharing process can use defaultparameters, such as how the payment is to be shared (such as with equalcontributions or with unequal contributions).

If the first user wishes to share the payment with others (secondusers), the first user's mobile device can communicate information tothe mobile devices of the second users, such as via NFC. Thecommunication can include a user identifier (e.g., phone number, deviceID, user name, account number, etc.), total payment amount, and/ormerchant identifier (e.g., account number, name, etc.).

If an indication is present that the current payment request or paymentis to be shared, the communication may enable the second user's deviceto make a payment directly to the user's account, to the merchant'saccount, to an intermediary's account, or to the account of anothersecond user. The indication may be from the pending payment request onthe first user device, the first user selecting an option to share thepayment, or some other means. The second users may enter the amount ofpayment and process accordingly, such as by entering any requestedauthentication information and confirming the payment.

According to an embodiment, the system can comprise one or more memoriesstoring information regarding a first user and a plurality of secondusers. One or more processors can be operable to receive a firstcommunication including an indication of a desire of the first user topurchase a product and to share payment for the product with the secondusers. The one or more processors can be further operable to access theinformation to determine communication addresses for the second users.The one or more processors can be further operable to send a secondcommunication to the second users requesting that the second users sharepayment for the product. The one or more processors can be furtheroperable to facilitate payment to the merchant from the second users whoagree to share payment for the product. The second communication can besent by NFC. The second communication can be sent by NFC means otherthan NFC, such as voice, text message, email, website, web blog, orsocial network.

At least one of the one or more memories can be a memory of a firstuser's mobile device. At least one of the one or more memories can be amemory of a server. At least one of the one or more processors can be aprocessor of a first user's mobile device and the second communicationis received from an input device (such as a keypad or touchscreen) ofthe first user's mobile device. At least one of the one or moreprocessors is a processor of a server and the second communication isreceived from a first user's mobile device.

At least one of the one or more memories can be a memory of a firstuser's mobile device. At least one of the one or more processors can bea processor the first user's mobile device. The first user's mobiledevice can be near field communication enabled. At least one of the oneor more memories can be a memory of a first user's mobile device. Atleast one of the one or more processors can be a processor the firstuser's mobile device. The first user's mobile device can be configuredto scan a code/sticker. The second users' mobile devices can similarlybe configured to scan a code/sticker.

The distinction between the first user and the second users can beunimportant and arbitrary. However, the first user can be the user thatinitiates the shared purchase process, such as by tapping an NFCsticker. The second users can be those users who subsequently contributeto the shared purchase.

The one or more processors can be operable to receive the firstcommunication from a first user's mobile device and the information canbe representative of a scan of a near field communication (NFC) sticker,a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, a stock keeping unit (SKU), orthe like. The communication to the second users can be sent via nearfield communication or by any other means.

The one or more processors can be further operable to facilitate paymentfrom second users directly to the merchant. The one or more processorscan be further operable to facilitate payment from second users throughan intermediary to the merchant. The one or more processors can befurther operable to facilitate payment from second users through thefirst user to the merchant.

The one or more processors can be operable to display a total price forthe product. If more than one product is being purchased, an itemizedlist of the products being purchased, along with their prices can bedisplayed. Any additional costs can be displayed. For example, anytaxes, delivery charges, tips, or the like can be displayed. The one ormore processors can be operable to display contributions of the secondusers.

A message can be displayed. For example, a message from the first userto the second users can be displayed. The message can be part of thesecond communication. The message can be displayed on the first user'smobile device. The message can be separate from the first communication.The message can contain any desired information. The message can containa reason for making the purchase. The message can merely be a greeting.An example of the message can be “For Sam's birthday.” Another exampleof the message can be “If you are going with us to Las Vegas, pleasecontribute for the hotel room.”

Messages from one or more of the second users can be displayed. Themessages can be displayed on the first user's mobile device and/or canbe displayed on one or more of the second users' mobile devices. Themessage can be a response to the second communication, which requeststhat the second users share payment for the product. The message cancontain any desired information or question. The message can contain areason for not contributing to the purchase. The message can merely be agreeting. An example of such a message can be “Sam who?” Another exampleof such a message can be “See you in Vegas.”

The one or more processors can be further operable to substantiallyequally divide the purchase price among the first user and the secondusers to determine a divided purchase price. The one or more processorscan be further operable to send the second communication to the secondusers, wherein the second communication requests that each of the secondusers contribute the divided purchase price to share payment for theproduct. The second message can be a standard or default message. Anexample of such a default message can be “Bill requests that youcontribute to this purchase of office supplies.”

The information can be account information. For example, the informationcan be identification and contact information, such as for the secondusers. More particularly, the information can include an email address,texting address, telephone number, home address, or the like. The emailaddress, texting address, and/or telephone number can be used to sendthe second communication from the first user to the second user. Thehome address can be used for mailing the purchased product to one of thesecond users.

The one or more processors can be further operable to sum contributionsof the second users to determine a needed contribution of the firstuser. Thus, the amount of the contributions of the second users can beadded together and this sum can be subtracted from the total cost of thepurchase to determine how much the first user needs to contribute. Theamount that the first user needs to contribute can be displayed by theuser's mobile device. This can be particularly useful when the firstuser's contribution is not equal to each of the second users'contributions. The first user's contribution can be unequal to each ofthe second users' contributions when a fixed amount is request from eachof the second users and the amount is not changed to account for anysecond users who do not contribute.

The one or more processors can be further operable to dynamicallyrecalculate the contribution needed from each second user and/or thefirst user when one or more of the second users do not contribute to thepurchase. The one or more processors can be further operable todynamically recalculate the contribution needed from each second userand/or the first user when one or more of the second users contribute anamount different from that requested to the purchase. This process ofrecalculating the contribution and communicating the recalculatedcontribution can continue iteratively and indefinitely.

According to an embodiment, a method can comprise storing, in one ormore memories, information regarding a first user and a plurality ofsecond users. A first communication can be received, electronically viaone or more processors. The first communication can include anindication of a desire of the first user to purchase a product and toshare payment for the product with the second users. The information canbe accessed, electronically via the one or more processors. Theinformation can be accessed to determine communication addresses for thesecond users. A second communication can be sent, electronically via oneor more processors. The second communication can be sent to the secondusers requesting that the second users share payment for the product. Apayment can be facilitated, electronically via one or more processors.The payment can be to the merchant from the second users who agree toshare payment for the product.

According to an embodiment, a computer program product can comprise anon-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable andexecutable code. The code can be for instructing one or more processorsto perform any of the methods discussed herein.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing shared mobilepayments, according to an embodiment. The system can include a merchantdevice 110. The merchant device 110 can be a merchant checkout terminal,a computer, and/or a server, for example. The merchant device 110 caninclude a memory 111 and a processor 112. The merchant device 110 can beused for accepting payment for a product being purchased from themerchant. The payment can be a shared payment. The payment can be apartial payment, such as resulting from the sharing process. Asdiscussed herein, the payment can be from one person or from a pluralityof people and/or the payment can be through an intermediary.

The system can include a first user's mobile device 120. The firstuser's mobile device 120 can be carried by the first user. The firstuser's mobile device 120 can be a cellular telephone, a smart telephone,a hand held computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or atablet computer, for example. The first user's mobile device 120 caninclude a processor 121, a memory 122, and/or a near fieldcommunications (NFC) device 123. The first user's mobile device 120 canbe NFC enabled.

The first user's mobile device 120 can be used to initiate the purchaseprocess by scanning, or imaging an NFC sticker, a quick response (QR)code, a barcode, a stock keeping unit (SKU), or the like. Such scanningor imaging can be effected by tapping (e.g., bringing in close proximityor actual contacting) the NFC sticker with the first user's mobiledevice 120. Such tapping can include contacting the NFC sticker or anearby surface or not contacting the NFC sticker or nearby surface.Although the use of tapping an NFC sticker is referred to herein, suchas by way of example only. Any method of scanning or imaging can beused.

The first user's mobile device 120 can be used for requestingcontributions from one or more second users for a shared purchased. Thefirst user's mobile device 120 can be used to receive or route thecontributions from the second users. For example, the first user'smobile device can be used to route the contributions, either directly orindirectly, from the second users to the merchant. The first user'smobile device 120 can be used to pay the merchant for the productpurchased, such as by using the shared contributions.

A shared payment app 124 can be stored in the memory 122 and executed bythe processor 121. The shared payment app 124 can be used for requestingthe contributions, receiving the contributions, routing thecontributions, and making payment, either directly or indirectly, to themerchant for the shared purchase.

The system can include a plurality of second users' mobile devices 140.The system can include any number of second users' mobile devices 140.For example, the system can comprise three, five, ten, twenty five, onehundred, or more second users' mobile devices. The second users' mobiledevices 140 can be carried by any number of second users. The secondusers' mobile devices 140 can be cellular telephones, smart telephones,hand held computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, or tabletcomputers, for example. The other mobile device 140 can similarlyinclude a processor 141, a memory 142, and a near field communications(NFC) device 143. A shared payment app 144 can be stored in the memory142 and executed by the processor 141. The second users' mobile device140 can be NFC enabled. The second users' mobile devices can besubstantially identical to the first user's mobile device 120.

The second users' mobile devices 140 can be used for receiving requestsfor contributions for the shared purpose, for making additional requestsfor contributions, for routing the contributions, and for makingpayment, either directly or indirectly, to the merchant for the sharedpurchase.

The shared payment app 144 can be executed by the processor 141. Theshared payment app 144 can be used for receiving requests forcontributions for the shared purchase, for making additional requestsfor contributions, for routing the contributions, and for makingpayment, either directly or indirectly, to the merchant for the sharedpurchase. The first user's mobile device 140 can be substantiallyidentical with respect to the second users' mobile devices 140 or can bedifferent with respect thereto. The shared payment app 124 of the firstuser's mobile device 120 can be substantially identical with respect tothe shared payment app 144 of the second users' mobile devices 140.

A global positioning system (GPS), such as a GPS of the second user'smobile devices 140 can be used to determine whether or not a request fora contribution is to be sent to a particular second user. In someinstances, it can be desirable to only send requests for contributionsto those second users within a particular geographic area. For example,if the first user is to meet with the second users to attend a playshortly and wants to perform a shared purchase of tickets for the play,then it may be desirable to omit any second users from the requests forcontributions who are currently out of town. Thus, the secondcommunication can depend upon the GPS location of each second user andcan be tailored or omitted depending upon their GPS location.

The system can include a server 130. The server 130 can be a server of abank, a credit card company, a payment provider such as PayPal, Inc., orany other entity. The server can be a server of an intermediary, such asa payment facilitating intermediary. The server 130 can be a singleserver or can be a plurality of servers. The server 130 can include oneor more processors 131 and a memory 132. The memory 132 can be a memoryof the server 130 or a memory that is associated with the server 130.The memory 132 can be a distributed memory. The memory 132 can store afirst user's account 133, one or more second users' accounts 134, and aplurality of merchant's account 135.

The server 130 can be used for facilitating payment from the first userand the second users to the merchant. The server can control routing ofsuch payments. The server can control routing of contribution requests.The server can have other functions, as well. For example, the servercan be used for other (non-shared) payment processing functions.

A social network 150 can be used by the first user and/or one or more ofthe second users. The social network 150 can contain informationregarding the first user and/or the second users. For example, thesocial network 150 can contain contact information that can be used bythe system to contact one or more of the second users for contributionsto the purchase.

The merchant device 110, the first user's mobile device 120, the secondusers' mobile devices 140, the server 130, and the social network 150can communicate with one another via a network, such as the Internet140. The merchant device 110, the first user's mobile device 120, thesecond users' mobile devices 140, the server 130, and the social network150 can communicate with one another via one or more networks, such aslocal area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), cellulartelephone networks, and the like. The merchant device 110, the firstuser's mobile device 120, the second users' mobile devices 140, theserver 130, and the social network 150 can communicate with one another,at least partially, via one or more near field communication (NFC)methods or other short range communications methods, such as infrared(IR), Bluetooth, WiFi, and WiMax.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a network-based system forimplementing one or more processes described herein. As shown, thenetwork-based system may comprise or implement a plurality of serversand/or software components that operate to perform various methodologiesin accordance with the described embodiments. Exemplary servers mayinclude, for example, stand-alone and enterprise-class servers operatinga server OS such as a MICROSOFT® OS, a UNIX® OS, a LINUX® OS, or anothersuitable server-based OS. It can be appreciated that the serversillustrated in FIG. 1 may be deployed in other ways and that theoperations performed and/or the services provided by such servers may becombined or separated for a given implementation and may be performed bya greater number or fewer number of servers. One or more servers may beoperated and/or maintained by the same or different entities.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts that describe examples of operation of theshared mobile payments system according to embodiments thereof. Notethat one or more of the steps described herein may be combined, omitted,or performed in a different order, as desired or appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method for providing shared mobilepayments, according to an embodiment. The first user can decide topurchase a product, as shown in step 201. The first user can see theproduct, an advertisement for the product, or an NFC sticker for theproduct in a store, on an advertising display, on a webpage, or anywhereelse. The NFC sticker can be on the product, near the product, orremotely located with respect to the product.

The first user can initiate the shared payment app 124 on the firstuser's mobile device 120, as shown in step 202. The first user caninitiate the shared payment app 124 by selecting an icon on the screenof the first user's mobile device 120, for example. The first user caninitiate the shared payment app 124 by tapping the NFC sticker with thefirst user's mobile device 120. The first user can initiate the sharedpayment app 124 by any other means.

The first user can scan the NFC sticker of the product with the firstuser's mobile device, as shown in step 203. The first user can scan theNFC sticker by bringing the first user's mobile device 120 close to theNFC sticker and/or by tapping the NFC sticker. The first user can scanthe NFC sticker or any other identification of the product by any othermeans.

The first user can view a cost of the product on the first user's mobiledevice 120, as shown in step 204. The cost can be a total cost,including any taxes, shipping costs, or other costs. The first user canview the potential cost for when the purchase is shared. For example,the cost of sharing among two, three, four, five, or more people can beshown to give the user an idea of how sharing lowers the cost and tobetter facilitate budgeting and planning by the user.

The first user can select a group of second users with whom the purchaseprice can be shared, as shown in step 205. The group can be a predefinedgroup. For example, the group can be predefined during a setup process.The user can predefine any desired number of groups. The group can beselected from a plurality of groups for a particular purchase. Two ormore groups can be combined for the particular purchase. For example, agroup including friends and a group including family can be combined forthe particular purchase.

Alternatively, the first user can define the group from scratch. Thefirst user can manually enter information (such as names, emailaddresses, text addresses, telephone numbers) defining the second users,can select the second users from a list (such as a contacts list, listof potential second users, social network, or the like), and/or can tapuser device with people proximate the first user. The first user candefine the group in any desired manner.

The first user can modify the predefined group of second users by addingand/or subtracting second users therefrom to define the selected secondusers from whom a contribution is desired, as shown in step 206. Thefirst user can add and/or subtract any second users to or from thegroup, as desired.

The shared payment app 124 can send a communication to each of theselected second users, as shown in step 207. A message from the firstuser to each of the first users or to selected ones of the second userscan be included in the communication.

Each of the second users can respond to the communication to indicatewhether or not they will contribute to the purchase, as shown in step208. A message from the second users to the first user and/or to othersecond users can be included in the response.

If enough of the second users respond with contributions, the first usercan approve the purchase and provide any necessary shipping information,as shown in step 209. In enough of the second users do not respond withcontributions, the first user can withdraw from the purchase. If enoughof the second users do not respond with contributions, the first usercan add additional second users, withdraw from the purchase, initiateanother purchase, or try to obtain contributions from a different groupof second users.

According to an embodiment, the first user can withdraw from thepurchase at any time prior to approving the purchase. Thus, if there areinsufficient second users who are willing to contribute or if theirtotal contributions are insufficient, then the first user can withdrawfrom the purchase. The first user can initiate another purchase whetherthe first purchase is approved or not. The other purchase can use thesame group or a different group of contributors. The other purchase canbe for the same or a different product, such as a less expensive productor a product that is more likely to attract sufficient contributions.

The shared payment app 124 can facilitate transferring of eachcontributor's share of the purchase to the merchant, as shown in step210. Each contributor's share of the payment can be made to the merchantdirectly, via one or more other contributors, and/or via anintermediary.

The shared purchase app 124 can provide the shipping information to themerchant, as shown in step 211. The shipping information can bepredefine, such as during a setup process. The shipping information canbe defined substantially in real time. The purchased product can beshipped to any desired destination.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing further detail of the method forproviding shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment. The methodcan comprise storing, in one or more memories, information regarding afirst user and a plurality of second users, as shown in step 301. Theone or more memories can include the memory 122 of the user device 120,the memory 132 of the server 130, a memory of the social network 150, orany other memory.

The method can further comprise receiving, electronically via one ormore processors, a first communication. The first communication caninclude an indication of a desire of the first user to purchase aproduct. The first communication can further include an indication of adesire of the first user to share payment for the product with thesecond users, as shown in step 302. The communication can be receivedfrom the first user device 120, for example. The communication can bereceived by the server 130, for example.

The method can further comprise accessing, electronically via one ormore processors, the information to determine communication addressesfor the second users, as shown in step 303. The communication addressescan be telephone numbers, texting numbers, email addresses, links, orany other type of communication addresses. The communication addressescan be stored in the memory 122 of the user device 120, the memory 132of the server 130, a memory of the social network 150, or any othermemory.

The method can further comprise sending, electronically via one or moreprocessors, a second communication to the second users requesting thatthe second users share payment for the product, as shown in step 304.The second communication can be sent to each of the second users at thecommunication address thereof. The second communication can be sent tomore than one communication address for each of the second users. Thesecond communication can be sent from the first user's mobile device 120to each of the group's second users' mobile devices, for example. Thesecond communication can be sent from the server 130 to each of thegroup's second users' mobile devices, for example.

The method can further comprise facilitating, electronically via one ormore processors, payment to the merchant from the second users who agreeto share payment for the product, as shown in step 305. The payment canbe provided to the merchant from each of the second users by any desiredroute or method, examples of which are discussed herein.

In implementation of the various embodiments, embodiments of theinvention may comprise a personal computing device, such as a personalcomputer, laptop, PDA, cellular phone or other personal computing orcommunication devices. The payment provider system may comprise anetwork computing device, such as a server or a plurality of servers,computers, or processors, combined to define a computer system ornetwork to provide the payment services provided by a payment providersystem.

In this regard, a computer system may include a bus or othercommunication mechanism for communicating information, whichinterconnects subsystems and components, such as a processing component(e.g., processor, micro-controller, digital signal processor (DSP),etc.), a system memory component (e.g., RAM), a static storage component(e.g., ROM), a disk drive component (e.g., magnetic or optical), anetwork interface component (e.g., modem or Ethernet card), a displaycomponent (e.g., CRT or LCD), an input component (e.g., keyboard orkeypad), and/or cursor control component (e.g., mouse or trackball). Inone embodiment, a disk drive component may comprise a database havingone or more disk drive components.

The computer system may perform specific operations by processor andexecuting one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained ina system memory component. Such instructions may be read into the systemmemory component from another computer readable medium, such as staticstorage component or disk drive component. In other embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions to implement the invention.

Payment processing can be through known methods, such as transactiondetails being communicated to the payment provider through the sharedpayment app 124, the payment provider processing the details, which mayinclude user account and identifier information and authentication,merchant information, and transaction details. The user account may beaccessed to determine if any restrictions or limitations may prevent thetransaction from being approved. If approved, the payment provider maysend a notification to the merchant and/or the user.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system 400 suitable forimplementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Invarious implementations, the PIN pad and/or merchant terminal maycomprise a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, PDA, Bluetooth device, etc.) capable of communicatingwith the network. The merchant and/or payment provider may utilize anetwork computing device (e.g., a network server) capable ofcommunicating with the network. It should be appreciated that each ofthe devices utilized by users, merchants, and payment providers may beimplemented as computer system 400 in a manner as follows.

Computer system 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information data, signals, and information betweenvarious components of computer system 400. Components include aninput/output (I/O) component 404 that processes a user action, such asselecting keys from a keypad/keyboard, selecting one or more buttons orlinks, etc., and sends a corresponding signal to bus 402. I/O component404 may also include an output component, such as a display 411 and acursor control 413 (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, etc.). Anoptional audio input/output component 405 may also be included to allowa user to use voice for inputting information by converting audiosignals. Audio I/O component 405 may allow the user to hear audio. Atransceiver or network interface 406 transmits and receives signalsbetween computer system 400 and other devices, such as a user device, amerchant server, or a payment provider server via network 460. In oneembodiment, the transmission is wireless, although other transmissionmediums and methods may also be suitable. A processor 412, which can bea micro-controller, digital signal processor (DSP), or other processingcomponent, processes these various signals, such as for display oncomputer system 400 or transmission to other devices via a communicationlink 418. Processor 412 may also control transmission of information,such as cookies or IP addresses, to other devices.

Components of computer system 400 also include a system memory component414 (e.g., RAM), a static storage component 416 (e.g., ROM), and/or adisk drive 417. Computer system 400 performs specific operations byprocessor 412 and other components by executing one or more sequences ofinstructions contained in system memory component 414. Logic may beencoded in a computer readable medium, which may refer to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 412 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Invarious implementations, non-volatile media includes optical or magneticdisks, volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memorycomponent 414, and transmission media includes coaxial cables, copperwire, and fiber optics, including wires that comprise bus 402. In oneembodiment, the logic is encoded in non-transitory computer readablemedium. In one example, transmission media may take the form of acousticor light waves, such as those generated during radio wave, optical, andinfrared data communications.

Some common forms of computer readable and executable media include, forexample, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any othermagnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, ROM,E2PROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, carrier wave,or any other medium from which a computer is adapted to read.

In various embodiments, execution of instruction sequences forpracticing the invention may be performed by a computer system. Invarious other embodiments, a plurality of computer systems coupled by acommunication link (e.g., LAN, WLAN, PTSN, or various other wired orwireless networks) may perform instruction sequences to practice theinvention in coordination with one another. Modules described herein canbe embodied in one or more computer readable media or be incommunication with one or more processors to execute or process thesteps described herein.

A computer system may transmit and receive messages, data, informationand instructions, including one or more programs (i.e., applicationcode) through a communication link and a communication interface.Received program code may be executed by a processor as received and/orstored in a disk drive component or some other non-volatile storagecomponent for execution.

Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosuremay be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardwareand software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware componentsand/or software components set forth herein may be combined intocomposite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable,the various hardware components and/or software components set forthherein may be separated into sub-components comprising software,hardware, or both without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated thatsoftware components may be implemented as hardware components andvice-versa—for example, a virtual Secure Element (vSE) implementation ora logical hardware implementation.

Software, in accordance with the present disclosure, such as programcode and/or data, may be stored on one or more computer readable andexecutable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identifiedherein may be implemented using one or more general purpose or specificpurpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise.Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein may bechanged, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-stepsto provide features described herein.

The system for facilitating shared mobile payments can be used invarious different ways. Requests for participation, messages, andcontributions can flow among potential participants and participants invarious different ways. Contributions can also flow in various differentways. Two examples of ways in which requests and contributions can floware discussed with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of use of the system forfacilitating shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment. Moreparticularly, FIG. 5 shows money or contribution flows between the firstuser 520, two second users 540 and 541, an intermediary 550 and amerchant 551. The intermediary 550 can be a person, a credit cardcompany, a bank, a payment provider, payment facilitator, or any otherentity.

According to this example, each of the second users 540, 541 cantransfer their contribution to the first user 520. The first user 520can then transfer the combined contributions either directly to themerchant 551 from whom the product is being purchased or to the merchant551 via the intermediary 550. All or any such transfers can be performedsubstantially automatically. All or any such transfers can be performedwithout intervention or authorization of the first user 520 and/or thesecond users 540 and 541. All or any such transfers can requireintervention or authorization of the first user 520 and/or the secondusers 540 and 541. The need for user intervention or authorization canbe defined, such as on a user-by-user basis, during a setup of theshared payment apps 124, 144.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of use of the systemfor facilitating shared mobile payments, according to an embodiment.FIG. 6 again shows money or contribution flows between the first user520, two second users 540 and 541, an intermediary 550 and a merchant551. However, as shown in FIG. 6 payment can be made to the intermediary550 or the merchant 551 by any one or any combination of the first user520 and the second user 540 and 541.

According to this example, each of the first user 520 and second users540, 541 can transfer their contribution to any other one of the firstuser 520 and second users 540, 541. The first user 520 or second user540, 541 to whom the money is transferred can then transfer the combinedcontributions either directly to the merchant 551 from whom the productis being purchased, to the merchant 551 via the intermediary 550, or toanother second user 540, 541 (who can then transfer the contributions tothe merchant 551 or the intermediary 550).

Alternatively, more than one of the first user 520 and second users 540,541 can transfer their own contribution or any contributions eitherdirectly to the merchant 551 from whom the product is being purchased orto the merchant 551 via the intermediary 550. For example, each one ofthe first user 520 and second users 540, 541 can transfer their owncontribution directly to the merchant 551 from whom the product is beingpurchased or to the merchant 551 via the intermediary 550.

As a further example, the second user 540 can transfer a contribution tothe first user 520. Then, the first user 520 can transfer thecontributions of the first user 520 and the second use 540 while thesecond user 541 can transfer the contribution of the second user 541.

Some of the first user 520 and second users 540, 541 can transfercontributions directly to the merchant 551 and others of the first user520 and second users 540, 541 can transfer their contributions to themerchant 551 via the intermediary. There can be any number ofintermediaries though which the contributions flow in various differentmanners (such as serially through the intermediaries, in parallel thoughthe intermediaries, or any combination of serially and in parallelthough the intermediaries).

Contributions can be split. For example, the second user 540 can give aportion of a contribution to the first user 520 who then transfers theportion to the merchant and the second user 540 can give another portionto the merchant 551. Thus, contributions can be transferred in anydesired manner amount the first user 520 and second users 540, 541 andto the intermediate 550 and/or merchant 551.

All or any such transfers can be performed substantially automatically.All or any such transfers can be performed without intervention orauthorization of the first user 520 and/or the second users 540 and 541.All or any such transfers can require intervention or authorization ofthe first user 520 and/or the second users 540 and 541. The need foruser intervention or authorization can be defined, such as on auser-by-user basis, during a setup of the shared payment apps 124, 144.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, requests for participation can be broadcastfrom the first user 520 to all potential participants (potential secondusers) generally simultaneously, from one potential participant toanother serially, or any combination of both. For example, an initialbroadcast of a request for participation can be sent from the first user520 to potential participants, such as second users 540 and 541. Each ofthe potential second users 540 and 541 can then broadcast the requestfor participation to further second users or can selectively request theparticipation of such further second users serially.

As a further example, requests for participation can be sent seriallyfrom the first user 520 to selected potential participants (potentialsecond users). The second users 540 and 541 can then broadcast therequest for participation for further second users or can selectivelyrequest the participation of such further second users serially. Therequest flows, like the contribution flows, can follow and desiredpaths. The request flows, like the contribution flows, can include anycombination of serial and parallel paths.

For example, an NFC sticker can be posted in a public place like alibrary, office, train station, airport, bus stop or the like. The NFCsticker can be attached to a poster or other advertisement referring toor representing a product that can be purchased. In this example, theNFC sticker refers to a floor vase with a total purchase price of $100.An interested buyer, such as the first user 520, can tap the mobiledevice 120, over the NFC sticker to place an order for the vase and toinitiate a shared payment transaction to pay for the vase. According tothis example, it is the intent of first user 520 to have a group ofsecond users, e.g., second users 540 and 541, share in the purchasebecause the floor vase will be used in the group's office.

The first user 520 can tap the first user's mobile device 120 over theNFC sticker. The first user 520 can view a checkout page with theupdated transaction amount, including shipping and taxes. Then, thefirst user 520 can tap the first user's mobile device 120 with thesecond users' mobile devices 140. The communication of informationeffected by such tapping can cause the payment provider to present apop-up message on the second users' mobile devices 140. The pop-upmessage can, for example, include “Click Accept to contribute to thispayment of $108.75”. The pop-up message can include a suggestedcontribution, such as a contribution resulting from splitting thepayment equally amount the group (the first user 520 and the secondusers 540 and 541).

The second users 540 and 541 can then either accept or decline tocontribute to the payment of the transaction initiated by first user520. Each second user 540, 541 can enter the amount of each individualcontribution. The contribution may be sent directly to an account of thefirst user 520 or to an account of the intermediary 550 or the merchant551. In the former instance, the first user 520 can pay the total amountto the intermediary 550 or the merchant 551 and the first user 520 canreceive payments from the second users 540 and 541. In the instance,after all users have entered their contribution, the first user 520 canview, such as via the first user's mobile device 120, an updated totalreflecting the various payments made by others to the intermediary 550or the merchant 551. The first user 520 can then pay the remainingportion to the merchant,

The first user 520 and the second users 540 and 541 can be buyers payingfor a single item from a seller. The shipping address can be an addressof the first user 520 who initiated the payment process or the shippingaddress can changed by the first user 520 to a different shippingaddress. For example, shipping address can be an address of the firstuser 520 to an address of the second user 540 or the second user 541.

The payment or the contribution amount does not need to fixed. Thecontribution amount can be dynamically split in any way, such asdetermined by the first user 520, by the second users 540 and 541, by apre-determined ratio, or by any other desired method.

There is no restriction on the number of users who want to becontributors toward that single transaction. Anybody who taps the firstuser's mobile device 520 or communicates with the first user's mobiledevice 120 can become a contributor. Users can contribute even bytapping another contributor's mobile device, e.g., the second user'smobile device 140. For example, the second user 541 can tap the seconduser's mobile device 140 of second user 540. The second user 541 maythen send a payment to second user 540 as a contribution to the paymentmade by the second user 540 to first user 520. The second user 541 cansend a contribution directly or indirectly (such as via the second user540) to the first user 520, the intermediary 550, or the merchant 551.

There can be a time limit as for making contributions. The time limitcan be based on when the first user 520 receives the payment page of theshared payment 124 after the initial purchase request from the scannedNFC sticker. The time limit can be a preset period of time, such as tenminutes, thirty minutes, an hour, or a day. The time limit can be anindeterminate time limit, such as until the first user 520 completes orabandons the initial purchase request. The time limit may be based onthe period of inactivity between taps of users. In one embodiment,second users may continue to tap or communicate with the first user (orothers second users) to contribute to the purchase as long as thetransaction is still pending, e.g., not completed or abandoned.

As a further example, an NFC sticker can be placed on a notice board ofa coffee shop. The notice board and the sticker can be an advertisementfor the purchase of a product priced at $100.

The first user 520 and the second users 540 and 541 can be friends whoare in the coffee shop together. The first user 520 and the second users540 and 541 can have their smart phones, e.g., the first user's mobiledevice 120 and two second users' mobile devices 140, with them and NFCenabled.

After discussing the purchase, the first user 520 can tap the sticker.The first user can then view a payment provider checkout page. Thecheckout page can provide the total amount of the payment for theproduct. At this point the contributors, and more particularly thenumber of contributors, has not yet been defined.

The first user 520 can tap phones with the second users 540 and 541. Thefirst user 520 can tap phones with each of the two second users' mobiledevices 140. Alternatively, the first user 520 can tap the second user'smobile device 140 for the second user 540 and the second user 540 cantap the second user's mobile device 140 for the other second user 541.Generally, any of the first user 520 and the second users 540 and 541can tap in any order and/or can tap simultaneously. Since only onepurchase is pending among the three people, it is clear that all threeintend to participate in the same purchase.

After the tapping, the second user 540 and the second user 541 can see apop-up message on each of their respective second users' mobile devices140. The pop-up can state “Click ‘Accept’ to contribute to the paymentof $100”. The pop-up can further state or suggest the amount thecontribution.

After accepting or agreeing to contribute, second user 540 and seconduser 541 can contribute to the payment initiated by the first user 520instantly, either to the first user 520 or to the intermediary 550 orthe merchant 551. Any contribution can flow through any contributorand/or the intermediary to reach the merchant 551.

The first user 520 can receive a notification or update regarding themoney contributed by the second user 540 and/or the second user 541, aseach of the second user 540 and/or the second user 541approves ordeclines to make the contribution. If the second user 540 or the seconduser 541 declines to make the contribution, the shared payment app 124can recalculate the necessary contribution of the first user 520 and anysecond user who will contribute.

Thus the first user 520, the second user 540 and the second user 541 canshare payment for this product and can complete the transaction. In thismanner, the merchant can a single payment (e.g., the sum of all threepayments contributed by the three users), which is processed andconsolidated by the payment provider. Alternative, the merchant 551 canreceive separate payments from the users or any combination of theusers.

The product can then be shipped to the first user 520 or to anotherdesignated shipping address. The first user 520, the second user 540, orthe second user 541 can designate the shipping address.

As a further example three friends can visit a restaurant to havedinner. Each friend can order their own favorite food. A single bill orinvoice can generated for all three of the friends. The first user 520can tap the POS terminal of the restaurant with the first user's mobiledevice 120. In response to tapping, the first user 520 can view acheckout page provided by the payment app 124.

The two second users 540 and 541 can tap their second users' mobiledevices 140 with the first user's mobile device 120, such as while thefirst user's mobile device is displaying the checkout page or a pagethat prompts such tapping by contributors. After tapping, the two secondusers 540 and 541 can view a pop-up message asking “Do you want tocontribute to the payment of $60?” Each of the two second users canclick Accept or can click decline. For example, one second user 540 canclick Accept to contribute via the shared mobile payments system whilethe other second user 541 can click decline to pay with cash.

After accepting, the second users 540 and/or 541 can contribute thepayment initiated by first user 520 instantly. Such payment can beperformed by the shared mobile payment app 124 automatically, withoutverification, or can be performed with verification by the second users540 and/or 541. The first mobile user 520 can receive a notificationregarding the contributions by the second users 540 and/or 541. In thismanner, the three friends can receive a single bill or invoice and canconveniently and easily share the payment.

In some instances, not all of the members of the group (e.g., not all ofthe second users) will have a second user's mobile device 140 thatincorporates the latest technology. For example, not all of the secondusers will have a smart phone with NFC. Some of the members of the groupcan have cellular telephones that lack NFC and other members of thegroup can have cellular telephones that have NFC.

In this instance, a first user who has an NFC enabled cellular telephone(the first user's device 120) can tap the NFC sticker. The app 124 canthen provide the second users with a link. The link can contain thetransaction or reference ID for the purchase. The transaction orreference ID can be used to facilitate sharing of the purchase by thesecond users.

For example, after tapping the NFC sticker, a share button and/or anyother desired information can appear on the screen of the first user'scellular telephone or mobile device 120. The first user can select theshare button. Then, any of the second users who have cellular telephonesor second user's mobile devices 140 with NFC can tap the first user'scellular telephone or mobile device 120 to obtain the link and therebyshare in the purchase, as discussed herein.

Any of the second users who do not have NFC can otherwise obtain thelink and can thereby share in the purchase. For example, second userswho do not have NFC can obtain the link by communicating with one of theusers who has the link (such as the first user who tapped the NFCsticker or one of the second users who obtained the link from the firstuser). For example a user who does not have NFC can obtain the link viaBluetooth, text messaging, email, verbally, or any other means ofcommunication. In this manner, those second users who cannot communicatevia NFC can obtain the necessary information to share in the purchasewithout using NFC.

The link can be communicated among the first user and the second usersin any manner. Thus, no specific technology, such as NFC or Bluetooth isnecessary to practice the shared mobile payments method and systemdescribed herein.

As used herein, the term “store” can include any business or place ofbusiness. The store can be a brick and mortar store or an online store.The store can be any person or entity that sells a product.

As used herein, the term “product” can include any item or service.Thus, the term “product” can refer to physical products, digital goods,services, or anything for which a user can make a payment, includingcharitable donations. A product can be anything that can be sold.Examples of products include cellular telephones, concerts, meals,automotive repair, haircuts, digital music, and books. The product canbe a single item or a plurality of items. For example, the product canbe a tube of toothpaste, a box of laundry detergent, three shirts, and adonut.

As used herein, the term “merchant” can include any seller of products.The term merchant can include a store. The products can be sold from astore or in any other manner.

As used herein, the term “mobile device” can include any portableelectronic device that can facilitate data communications, such as via acellular network and/or the Internet. Examples of mobile devices includecellular telephones, smart phones, tablet computers, and laptopcomputers.

As used herein, the term “network” can include one or more local areanetworks (LANs) such as business networks, one or more wide areanetworks (WANs) such as the Internet, one or more cellular telephonenetworks, or any other type or combination of electronic or opticalnetworks.

As used herein, the term “tap” can include scanning, imaging reading orotherwise determining information, such as a code, that is associatedwith a product. The information can be used to facilitate purchasing ofthe product. For example, the information can be embodied in a nearfield communication (NFC) sticker, a quick response (QR) code, abarcode, a stock keeping unit (SKU), or the like. The information caninclude an identification of the product and/or a price of the product.Tapping can include tapping, bumping, touching, or bringing a mobiledevice into contact or proximity with a sticker. The term “tap” canrefer to any means of using a mobile device to identify a product, suchas for a purchase of the product.

As used herein, the term “tap” can include tapping, bumping, touching,or bringing two or more mobile devices proximate one another, such as toinitiate communications of any type therebetween. The term “tap” can theinitiation of communications, such as NFC, between mobile devices by anymeans.

As used herein, the term “sticker” can refer to any near fieldcommunication (NFC) sticker, a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, astock keeping unit (SKU), or the like. A sticker can be any printedmatter, label, or device that can be used to identify a product to amobile device. The sticker can be part of the product, attached to theproduct, on packaging of the product, on a display of the product,proximate the product, or remotely located with respect to the product.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present inventionto the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It iscontemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications tothe present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein,are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described variousexample embodiments of the disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Thus, the invention islimited only by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more memories storinginformation regarding a first user and a second user; and one or moreprocessors operable to: receive a first communication including arequest from the first user to purchase a product from a merchant and toshare a payment for the product with the second user; and facilitate aportion of the payment to the merchant from each of the first user andthe second user.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further configured to send a second communication to thesecond user requesting that the second user share the payment for theproduct.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more processorsare further configured to access the information to determine acommunication address for the second user,
 4. The system of claim 2,wherein the second communication comprises a near field communicationbetween a first device of the first user and a second device of thesecond user.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreprocessors are operable to receive the first communication from a mobiledevice of the first user and wherein the request includes informationrepresentative of a scan of a near field communication (NFC) sticker, aquick response (QR) code, a barcode, or a stock keeping unit (SKU). 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configuredto run a shared payment application on a first user device of the firstuser that facilitates communication between the first user and thesecond user.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second user is amember of a predefined group of users stored using the shared paymentapplication on the first user device.
 8. A method comprising: receiving,electronically via one or more processors, a first communicationincluding a request from a first user to purchase a product from amerchant and to share a payment for the product with a second user;processing, electronically via the one or more processors, a portion ofthe payment to the merchant from each of the first user and the seconduser.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising sending a secondcommunication to the second user requesting that the second user sharethe payment for the product.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising obtaining a communication address for the second user from auser device of the first user.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thereceiving comprises receiving the first communication at a server from afirst user device of the first user.
 12. The method of claim 8, whereinthe request includes information representative of a scan of a nearfield communication (NFC) sticker, a quick response (QR) code, abarcode, or a stock keeping unit (SKU)
 13. The method of claim 8,further comprising providing the second user with the ability todetermine the portion of the payment from the second user.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the portion of the payment from the seconduser is an even dollar amount and wherein the portion of the paymentfrom the first user includes a remaining unequal amount including anycents that complete the payment.
 15. A system comprising: one or morememories storing information regarding a first user and a second user;and one or more processors operable to: receive a first communicationincluding a request from the first user to purchase a product from amerchant; access the information to determine a communication addressfor the second user; send a second communication to the second userrequesting that the second user provide at least a portion of a paymentfor the product; and facilitate the payment to the merchant from thesecond user.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or moreprocessors are operable to facilitate the payment directly from thesecond user to the merchant.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the oneor more processors are operable to facilitate the payment from thesecond user to the merchant through an intermediary other than the firstuser.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the intermediary is a creditcard company.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the intermediary is apayment provider.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or moreprocessors are operable to facilitate the payment by facilitating theportion of the payment from the second user to the merchant and anadditional portion of the payment from the first user to the merchant.